The Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI) has recently secured the licensing rights to the esteemed Master Precaster program from the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA). This strategic partnership aims to enrich educational avenues and bolster workforce competencies within the concrete industry. The Master Precaster designation is achieved through the completion of six specialized courses tailored to precast concrete professionals, covering a spectrum of essential topics including industry insights, leadership, production techniques, safety protocols, technical aspects, and quality control measures. Since its inception in 2012, over 400 individuals have attained the esteemed Master Precaster title through NPCA’s program.
NPCA CEO, Nick Rhoad, expresses enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Master Precaster is a well-established and highly regarded worker training program built on the needs of our members. We look forward to collaborating with CPCI to further empower the workforce, providing enhanced opportunities for production personnel and ensuring the production of top-tier precast concrete products.”
CPCI President, Val Sylaj, emphasizes the significance of such a comprehensive training initiative, highlighting its role in fostering industry education and strengthening the partnership between the two organizations.
Starting in 2024, the Institute will conduct Master Precaster courses through a blend of in-person sessions and web-based events. Graduates of CPCI’s Master Precaster program will receive equivalent recognition to those completing the NPCA education, including a certification, a distinguished gold hard hat, and participation in the prestigious annual graduation ceremony at The Precast Show.
The curriculum comprises the following courses:
- Production and Quality School (PQS) Level I: A foundational overview encompassing essential knowledge for all precast concrete facility employees.
- PQS II-Safety: An in-depth examination of safety considerations related to precast concrete production processes.
- PQS II-Production: An advanced exploration covering intricate casting techniques, lean manufacturing principles, repair methodologies, reinforcement strategies, and material handling.
- PQS II-Technical: A detailed analysis focusing on fundamental mechanics, design principles, blueprint interpretation, and adherence to industry standards.
- PQS II-Quality Assurance/Quality Control: A comprehensive review of the standards outlined in the NPCA Quality Control Manual and NPCA Plant Certification requirements.
- PQS III-Leadership: An immersive study of leadership principles aimed at enhancing managerial skills and fostering effective collaboration in diverse work environments.
For further details on the Master Precaster program, visit www.Precast.org/masterprecaster.
